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Grenadiers were originaly assault troops who carried and threw grenades. In major league baseball almost all pitchers are at least 1.8 meters and taller. This is because tall men have the natural ability to throw farther and harder than short men. Because of this same principal men who were tall were selected to be Grenadiers in 18th century armies. As the use of grenades faded the Grenadiers role changed into elite troops. At first thought one might think being a tall and large man would make for an easier target to shoot at. |
However one must remember the muskets of the 18th century were slow to load, often misfired and were very inacurate beyond 50 yards. A line of Grenadiers moving forward with fixed bayonets was an imposing force that often made their opponents run rather than stand against them. If their opponents did have the fortitude to stand and fight, the Grenadiers height gave him the advantage. Being large and tall allowed Grenadiers to thrust their bayonets farther and harder than shorter men. Because of this bayonet fights almost always resulted in the Grenadiers killing, wounding and breaking their opponents will to resist. With his distinct size advantages on the 18th century battlefield the Grenadier proved time and again his metal. Because of their elite status Grenadier units also became the personal guards for generals, presidents and royalty. This tradition continues to this day. Examples can be seen in England with the Royal Grenadier Guards and in Argentina with the Presidential Mounted Grenadiers.
